Fun for family is focus of Oktoberfest

"This is a fun thing for the family," said Steve Walpert, Fort Gordon's entertainment director.

The official opening ceremonies aren't until 7 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 30, but the festivities begin when the carnival opens at 5 p.m. Wednesday at Barton Field. The carnival will be held daily through Sunday, Oct. 3.

Ticket prices for rides vary with specials such as $1 per ride on opening day and a "weekend warrior pass" featuring unlimited rides Friday, Saturday and Sunday for $30.

There's a variety of entertainment each day, including Jake Herzog and the Bavarian Express, which will perform from 5 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 30; 6 to 11 p.m., Friday, Oct. 1; and 2 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 3.

The Signal Corps Band will play during the weekend. German dancers and singers will perform intermittently. Mark Lippard, a juggler, stilt walker and unicycle rider, will perform Saturday.

Other attractions will be a petting zoo, pony rides and the Greystone animal exhibit, which features snakes, tigers and other animals.

From 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 2, is the Officers' Spouses' Club's annual fall flea market. The rain date is set for Oct. 3. The Better Opportunities for Single Service members Car Show also will be held Saturday.

Admission to Oktoberfest is free; however, there are charges for food and the carnival. The event is open to the public, but a photo ID is required for entry to the Army post.

Oktoberfest will be held at Barton Field from 5-10 p.m. Thursday, Sept. 30; noon to 10 p.m. Friday, Oct. 1; 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 2; and noon to 7 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 3. There will be German music, foods, carnival rides, a craft show, a flea market, a car show and pony rides. The celebration is free, but there are fees for food and rides. For more information, call 791-6779 or visit www.fortgordon.com.